Namibia holidays

Windhoek

The map of Namibia shows a swathe of the southwest marked, intriguingly, “Diamond Area 1 (Restricted Area)”. Some of the baubles lying about there turn up in the shops—diamonds and semi-precious stones like topaz and tourmaline. And consider the hand-made jewellerywith traditional African motifs.

Another Namibian speciality is fur. Karakul, a variety of Persian lamb, is fashioned into stylish garments under the Swakara name. Leather goods are interesting, though here the source may be buffalo or ostrich.

Among native curios, look for dolls in Herero costumes, hand-carved tribal trinkets, Himba beads and jewellery, pottery and basketwork.

On certain goods, such as jewellery, overseas visitors are exempt from the local sales tax.

Nature & Quietness, History & Tradition, Events & Festivals, Hiking, Outdoor / Adventure

This is carnivore country, where the inviting aroma of a barbecue often fills the air. The local beef is good, but you might want to try something more specifically Namibian — venison or wild boar, for example,or even zebra. On the coast the accent easily switches from steaks and chops to fresh fish or seafood (for instance Lüderitz oysters and Namibian rock lobsters).

Thanks to the German connection, themenu will also include tasty sausages, salamis and a variety of smokedmeats to be consumed with copious amounts of pickled cabbage (sauerkraut).

Drinks

German taste and the climate coincide to make beer drinking a popular pastime. The local beer is brewed according to grand old traditions formalized in the 16th century, but because of the heat the alcohol content is kept a few degrees lower than the European equivalent.

South African wines, which include some first-class vintages, are also available. They have been making Cape wine since the 17th century. Most are identified by grower and grape variety: shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and the local hybrid pinotage among the reds; chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and chenin blanc the main whites.

Summer, Winter

Prehistory
Hunter-gatherers live in Namibia. The early inhabitants are thought to have been Khoisan speakers, including San (Bushmen) and Khoikhoi, or Nama, people.

15th century
Portuguese explorer Diego Cão marks his visit to Cape Cross by erecting a cross on the shore. His countryman, Bartolomeu Diaz,“discovers” Walvis Bay, but finding no fresh water he abandons thoughts of colonization.

18th century
In 1793 the Dutch claim Walvis Bay. But Britain soon annexes SouthAfrica’s Cape Colony (1795) and claims the adjoining Namibian coast.

19th century
The first German missionary station opens at Bethanie in 1814. The missionaries fan out through the territory in the mid century. They ask Britain for protection but this is refused. Britain annexes Walvis Bayin 1878. A Bremen merchant, Adolf Lüderitz, buys the small port of Angra Pequena in 1883 and raises the German flag over what is to become the town of Lüderitz. In the 1880s and 1890s German settlers occupy other parts of South West Africa, signing treaties with native tribes. Swakopmund is founded in 1893 by Captain Curt von François and 120 German colonial troops. At the turn of the 20th century Herero tribesmen and Germans engage in years of bloody battles. The well-armed Germans win.

20th century–present
In 1908, Germans discover the world’s richest diamond bonanza in the southern zone of South West Africa; prospectors flood in. During WorldWar I, on behalf of the Allies, South African forces capture South West Africa from Germany. “Undesirable” German settlers and military personnel are expelled. South Africa rules under a 1920 League of Nations mandate. When the United Nations succeeds the League of Nations after World War II, South Africa refuses to put South West Africa under UN trusteeship. The South West African People’s Organization (Swapo) is established in 1958 and in 1966 launches a guerrilla war for independence.

After UN-supervised elections, Namibia becomes an independent nation in 1990. Its first president is Sam Nujoma, leader ofSwapo. In 1993 South Africa hands over Walvis Bay sovereignty to Namibia. Nujoma steps down after 15 years of presidency; Hifikepunye Pohamba, co-founder of Swapo, is elected president in 2004.